With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set across Mexico, Canada and the United States, several global icons — Mohamed Salah, Luka Modric, Son Heung-min, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kevin De Bruyne and Neymar — are poised to treat the tournament as a likely farewell stage. Their form, fitness and national-team decisions will shape storylines for what could be a closing chapter for a generation of greats.
Why 2026 feels like a generational send-off
The 2026 World Cup’s expansion to 48 teams and three hosts arrives at a crossroads: many of the 21st century’s defining players are approaching the end of international careers. Age, accumulated minutes and shifting national-team projects mean this tournament could be the last genuine chance for several superstars to add to — or complete — their legacies.
Players most likely playing their final World Cup
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
At 34 in 2026, Salah remains Egypt’s talisman and a global attacking force. His World Cup pedigree is light — Egypt’s last appearance was 2018 — so 2026 offers a rare stage to cement international legend status. Fitness and Egypt’s qualifying trajectory will determine whether this becomes his definitive global showcase.
Luka Modric (Croatia)
Modric will be 40 in 2026 and already occupies a unique place in modern World Cup lore. His leadership was central to Croatia’s 2018 run and continued influence in 2022. If he appears in North America, expect him to be both a symbolic leader and a tactical fulcrum in what would likely be the last major international chapter of his career.
Son Heung-min (South Korea)
Son, 34 in 2026, has been Korea’s captain and most consistent attacking threat for years. Having produced tournament-defining moments in prior World Cups, he brings experience and goals. South Korea will look to him for inspiration, and the tournament is likely his final global platform to lead the side.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Ronaldo has signaled this could be his last World Cup. At 41 in 2026, he would be the first player to feature in six tournaments if he takes part. Beyond records, this would be his final shot at the one major prize that has eluded him at the international level — a narrative with real emotional and historical weight.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
If Messi opts in, the 2026 World Cup would likely be his sixth appearance and another chance to defend the 2022 title. At 39, his presence would provide a dramatic bookend to an unparalleled international career. Whether he plays or not will shape the tournament’s broader narrative arc about eras and succession.
Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
De Bruyne will be 35 in 2026 and remains the creative heartbeat of Belgium’s golden generation. Belgium are in transition, and De Bruyne’s performance could determine whether the team ages gracefully or begins accelerated renewal during the North American World Cup.
Neymar (Brazil)
Neymar, 34 in 2026, has battled injuries in recent cycles. Brazil’s depth lessens the pressure to rely solely on him, but if healthy he would still be a headline figure. The national coaching staff’s selection and Neymar’s fitness will decide if this is a swan song or an unexpected encore.
What this means for teams and the tournament
Teams face a dual task: maximizing the remaining value of veteran leaders while planning succession. Countries with aging cores — Portugal, Argentina, Croatia, Belgium — must balance respect for legend with pragmatic squad renewal. The expanded 48-team format could dilute some marquee matchups early, but it also provides more opportunities for storylines to emerge around last-chance veterans.
Key storylines to watch in the run-up to 2026
Fitness and club form will dominate selection debates. Injuries or a dip in minutes could convert probable farewell campaigns into quiet exits. National coaches will need to articulate clear roles for veterans: centerpiece, mentor, or rotational option. Off the field, the tournament offers moments of narrative theater — ritual goodbyes, record-chasing, and the passing of torches to younger stars.
The broader significance
Beyond individual careers, this World Cup will test how football bridges eras.
The potential simultaneous swan songs of several all-time greats would create a unique emotional undertone to a tournament already notable for its geographic scale and format change.
2026 World Cup odds: Spain, England, France top list of favorites with 48-team field set
For fans and federations alike, 2026 promises to be as much about legacy as it is about trophies.
Marca Claro
